Chicago Lakefront Path

If you like to take a beautiful walk every once in a while — this is a great walk to take. It stretches for miles along the lake. The furthest south that you can pick it up is at Oak Street Beach off of Michigan Avenue near the Drake — and you can walk it all the way North to Sheridan Road north of Foster.
People Jog here — ride their bikes — people walk their dogs on this path, and some people even use it (like me) to get around.
There are Chess Boards Between Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach (and there is always a hot game to be had here).
This path is icy and nasty in the winter.

I would say that I have personally used this path 100 – 200 times over the past few years. I’m primarily a runner, and I’ve ran in weather ranging from 20 and snowy to 100 and scorching hot. I feel as though I am qualified to write an honest, constructive review. I’ve thought a long time about what I wanted to say, and I think I am finally ready to articulate a review.
I unfortunately don’t have any recent pictures to post. I tend to zone out while I am running, and forget to take pictures. Most of the pictures I would take have been posted many times already, so I will try to capture something unique.
I enter the path at Roscoe. Depending on how I am feeling, I run north to Hollywood or run south to Navy Pier. Running north from Roscoe is a great run along the lake, and it is generally less crowded than its southbound counterpart. There’s also a public track by Lawrence, which is great for speed training.
When I run south from Roscoe towards Navy Pier, I have a direct view of the Skyline with Lake Michigan to the East. I mirror the sentiment of literally every person who has posted before me. There’s nothing I can say about this view that hasn’t already been said 100 times. Not only is it one of the best views in the city, I personally feel as though it’s one of the best views in the world. It’s motivating and enthralling being able to run with the Skyline and Lake Michigan constantly in my sights.
The path itself is well-​maintained and well-​lit. I think this is very important for runners such as myself that like to run at night. You can­ always see fellow runners/​cyclists/​bladers, at least on the paths I take. Conversely, if you go running in the morning at sunrise, you are treated to a beautiful Lake Michigan and Skyline sunrise, and that view just can’t be beaten.
The Fullerton Beach area is currently under some major renovations. The path had been closed for quite a while. The grassy area, as well as the path, was blocked off by a temporary wall. The grassy area at Fullerton Beach, along with the newly paved path, has officially OPENED a few weeks ago and I’m very pleased. Before this path was opened, you would circle to the west of the building at Fullerton and loop around to North Avenue Beach. This new path is east of the building, giving you an accelerated look at the Lake. They’re still working on the area, and I’m very optimistic considering the progress they have made.
I feel obligated to mention one of the consistently negative attributes about this path. I love this path, and I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that it’s almost empty during this time of the year. That being said, when it gets crowded, the path can be dangerous if you aren’t paying attention. During the summer, between the hours of 8am and 8pm, you can expect a LARGE amount of traffic between Belmont and North Avenue.
It’s quite discouraging to see just how little etiquette or awareness some folks have when on the course. An issue I sometimes run into (pun intended) is that walkers/​runners/​tourists walk 3,4, or 5 wide in the MIDDLE of the path and make it impossible/​unsafe to pass by. When you hear someone say «ON YOUR LEFT!» it usually means you’re in the way and in a precarious position.
My other issue is an issue pretty much every other poster has mentioned. If you think walkers/​runners have poor etiquette, you should see the cyclists. Seriously, if you want to train for a triathlon and gun down this path at 25mph, you need to go at 5am. Simply put, it is unsafe and irresponsible to be flying down the path at noon on a summer weekend.
If I recognize that the southbound path is choking up with runners/​walkers/​tourists/​cyclists, I will run north to avoid the traffic. I can enjoy the path and everything it has to offer regardless of the direction I run.
These two issues are minuscule relative to how amazing the path is. The Lakefront Path is easily my favorite area for runs. It’s one of my absolute favorite places in the city, and I would recommend it as one of the ultimate representations of Chicago.

Anyone who is touring Chicago should plan to bike down the Lakefront path. You will have amazing views of the city, and if you have it in you, can bike from the north around Loyola ALL the way to the south end to the Planetarium with a Divvy. It should take about 60 – 90 minutes to do so and you can grab a Divvy for $ 10 (just need to check it in every 30 minutes which is annoying). If you do plan to ride a bike, MAKE SURE you right on the RIGHT side of the entire pathway. These Chicagoan bikers get angry when you’re on the left side and they won’t hesitate to yell at you with no filter.
The trail is much longer then that though, it’s about 18 miles but the Divvy stations don’t extend that far out I believe. I suggest not to bike when it’s windy because if you’re biking against the wind, you’ll probably last 10 minutes before you need to rest.

You can’t go wrong with a stroll along the lake. Whether it’s a bike ride, a run, or a walk with friends and family, it’s one of the best things in Chicago. You’ve got gardens, parks, the zoo, beaches and more to check out. I live north of downtown, and if I choose to walk it, I’ll go out of my way to walk along the path.

This is hands down the best part of Chicago. It’s an amazing place to run, walk, bike, etc. It can get super windy and you have to be careful about running then, but other than that, it’s great.

Absolutely gorgeous view of Chicago’s skyline. I instantly wanted to change into my work out clothes and go for a run along the path. Although… after some observation, I realized that wouldn’t have been a great choice on the day I visited. The current on the lake was pretty intense and water was constantly gushing over the walkway. I’m almost positive it would have knocked me over. So, just a heads up! Be careful on those windy days because you may get a nice unexpected shower.
I did enjoy the nice change of pace from the high rise buildings of Mag Mile! I do wish that there was more to do around the Lakefront Path. However; if you’re just looking for a place with a great view, a nice place to go for a run, or just relax by the water then this is definitely the spot for you!

One of the best reasons to live or visit Chicago.

Things I didn’t know before my bike ride on the Chicago Lakefront Path:
— Lake Michigan is huge! It realllllly is. We biked for about 5 miles along the coast and barely scratched the surface.
— There’s a beach along the lake. Like a beach beach with sand and lifeguards and summertime fun.
— And the water is really really blue. I mean, its not Caribbean blue, but it’s a lot bluer than I expected a lake to be.
The lakefront was completely unexpected and really lovely. Whether you’re biking, walking or running this is a fantastic path. Views of the city, sunshine reflecting off the lake; I imagine even in the winter its lovely. I can’t wait to go for another ride down the path next time I’m in Chicago.

I love running along water! When you go to Millennium Park, You can get to the Lakefront but it isnt the actual path that the Unilocal address provides. I ran from the hotel to the lakefront and just ran up until this cute pier that looked like the Notebook. Hehe. I think that is when the actual path begins but that run was long enough. While you run along you see a bunch of other bikers and runners and you have this awesome beautiful view. It just so happened to be raining that morning as well so we got super soaked but running in the rain is sorta fun haha. Just throw on some tights and a tank and bring headphones and you are good to go! I definitely needed to be active since I ate so much shiz haha

Undeniably a gorgeous view of the city skyline, regardless of the season. Perfect for getting your exercise or romance on.
Next guy I date will be forced to walk, bike, and/​or rollerblade along this path with me on a weekly basis. :)

One of the main reasons I am seriously considering on moving to Chicago! I would love to ride my bike & jog on this path everyday in the summer if I could! Awesome place for bikers, walkers, tourist, & etc! If you are visiting, it is a very quick walk from Millennium Park. You can also rent a bike and ride all the way down to the pier. The scenery is just beautiful! Just one of the many reasons to fall in love with Chicago.

I run or ride here very often. I’ve ran here many times, before i moved to Chicago as a visitor. It never gets boring, seeing the beautiful Lakefront trail. Definitely 5 Stars!

100
It was May 20, 2014 when I flew here from LA unsure if I wanted to take the plunge and move to Chicago. After he brought me to my first meal at Portillo’s, I was still unconvinced about the move.
He knew the perfect spot to make me fall in love with the city, the lakefront. The beautiful skyline that lit up that night was truly breathtaking and a moment I’ll never forget. It was perfect.

This place is seriously my Chicago savior — I would never consider moving to an apartment further than a mile away from this path — but I’m going to start out with the below because I want it to be visible:
The absolute worst thing about this path is that number of people who don’t know path etiquette. I seriously believe that everyone should have to take a «how to properly use the path» class before they’re allowed on it. Let me make clear that I use the path both as a runner and a cyclist before I go any further — I’m not a reckless cyclist that tears down the path without regard for other people on it.
The marked paths ARE FOR BIKES — there are symbols painted on it that specifically say this. If you are moving any slower than a bike, do not be in the bike lanes — or at the very least, keep to the side. There is shoulder room for people who are walking or running, and even though it’s narrow, you’re moving slowly enough that it’s easy to pass one another. The speed difference between walkers and runners is minimal; the speed difference between people on foot and people on bikes is high. Do the math.
I use this path literally every day, summer and winter, and I do so both on foot and by bike, so I feel qualified to say that generally it’s the people who like to walk in groups of 3 – 4 people wide, the people pushing strollers in the middle of the path, the people going the wrong way (WHY? why is this necessary?), and the people who let their dog have free reign on a long leash who get in the way. Whether you are on foot or on a bike, treat this path as a vehicle roadway and you’ll be safe. This means looking both ways before crossing, checking behind you before trying to pass someone, and staying to the right if you’re moving slowly and to the left if you’re moving quickly (but still within the lane for whatever direction you’re traveling in). And if you’re taking up the entire path, you’d better be the fastest goddamn person on the entire trail. That’s all I’m going to say about that.
Anyway, beyond all that, this is my favorite (and really only) place to run and bike in the city. I work out outdoors 365 days a year because I just like being outside, and it’s really helpful to have a place to run and bike where I don’t have to stop for traffic lights or watch out for cars. I usually use the path early in the morning when I’m biking because there are so many fewer people out there, and those who are are usually the more serious athletes who understand path etiquette. When I’m running, I’m moving at a much slower pace than I am on bike, so it’s much easier for me to maneuver around people — so if I plan to run I’ll usually go in the evening. I’m also so happy that it’s finally getting colder out, because it means way fewer people working out outdoors and less congestion on this trail. Thank god for Chicago winters.

I fell in love with Chicago largely due to the Lakefront Trail!
Talk about excellent views and an amazing way to experience the city! I probably cannot add anything to these reviews that has not already been said (especially by native Chicagoans), but this most definitely appears to be a local treasure. I ran on the trail three times during the two days I was in town, and loved every moment of each run (and that’s saying something). This definitely seems to be the place in the city to run, walk, bike, rollerblade, skate board, take killer photos, or travel from one locale to another.
Sure, there are the downsides that comes with any heavily populated path such as overcrowding at spots, cyclists that think they own the path and the world, and some littering, but overall these minor slights very much pale in comparison to the numerous positive points of this jewel.
If I was a Chicago guy, I know I’d be a Lakefront Trail guy as well.

My friends and I rode our bikes on this path. If I lived in Chicago, I would run/​bike/​take walks on it all the time. It’s nice to have a route just for this purpose, and the view is killer. The trail is pretty long but you can start and stop wherever and not be worried about getting tired in an area that’s not close to the city. It’s also not hilly (or at least the part I was on) so I enjoyed not dying on my ride. But seriously, the views of the skyline as you go south on this trail are gorgeous. I’m sure it’s nice going north too, but I only had time to do part of the trail unfortunately.

Being from Michigan, this girl has a great love for lakes… Especially the great lakes! I’ve been walking, running, and biking on this trail countless times for the views and atmosphere. Usually more north side, but just recently jogged closer to Adler planetarium and was not disappointed.
If you are a «serious» biker/​runner then this path is probably not the best fit for you. I’ve seen these types get frustrated by how crowded it gets, and the lack of separation for biking/​running/​walking lanes — there’s pretty much only two: you’re either going in one direction or the other lol. Also, much of the trail is alongside lakeshore drive so traffic can be noisy but bring along some headphones and create your own soundtrack to match the view :)

I can’t imagine a prettier path! I run on the path three to four times a week, mostly on the north side.
I get on the path around Addison, and find running south to be the most beautiful. However, it is incredibly crowded on nice days and during peak hours. There are a lot of bikers who do not know how to share the path with others; I’ve almost been hit many, many times, and have witnessed bikers hitting runners many times. For safety reasons, I think a second path should be added just for bikers. Or police should ticket bikers (not just on this path but across the city for not following traffic rules… I digress).
When I head north from Addison, it’s not as picturesque but less crowded. Parts of the pavement are not as well maintained when you get up by Hollywood. But avoiding crowds makes this my preferred direction.
In the winter, the path is plowed regularly. Ice does not build up.
If bikers learned how to slow down, or a second path was built to accommodate them, I’d easily give the Chicago Lakefront Path five stars.

This masterpiece is why I live in Chicago! About 75% of the reason anyway!
Nothing beats running on a gorgeous summer day!

I have always lived by the lake ever since moving to Chicago and I love the Lakefront Trail. I usually will run from Irving park road south to Diversey Harbor or North Ave Beach. It can get pretty packed during the Summer as everyone and their mother is out and about on the trail.
I would avoid going during high traffic times if you plan on doing some serious running as it gets packed in the evenings and weekends.
The Lakefront trail is truly one of the features that makes Chicago so awesome during the Summer. Its great to take in the views of they cities skyline and Navy Pier.